William Lyon Mackenzie King

Born: October 17, 1874
Died: July 22, 1950
Place of Birth: Berlin (Kitchener), Ontario

• Mackenzie King's grandfather was considered a political rebel and, at one point, was exciled to United States.

• King's mother inspired him with tales of his grandfather's political and maverick exploits.

• He was devoted to his mother and, in fact, never married.

• After university, Mackenzie King joined the federal Liberal party.

• In 1908 he won an election and a year later was appointed Minister of Labour in a government headed by Sir Wilfred Laurier.

• King lost in the next two elections but remained a loyal supporter and organizer of the Liberal party.

• In 1919, he became leader of the Liberals in the first political leadership convention held in Canada.

• He became Prime Minister of Canada in the election of 1921.

• In 1926, King's government was responsible for creating the Old Age Pension act.

• There are stories to the effect that Mackenzie King based some of his decisions based on the supernatural; scholars deny this.

• He was the longest serving Prime Minister; in office for 22 years.

• King supported conscription under Laurier and in World War II.

• Mackenzie King is ranked as one of the most important Prime Ministers of Canada.

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Last Updated: February 18, 2011
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